• Loan duration: Successful applicants will receive an instrument from the collection for a period of 3 years. In exceptional circumstances, the period may be extended for a further year.

• Additional Support: In addition, musicians awarded the use of a violin, viola or the Roger Hansell cello will be offered up to €5,000 towards the cost of a new bow. If awardees avail of this, they will own and retain the bow.

• Violin: Alessandro Camilletti (2025)
• Violin: Fratelli Guastalla (1925)
• Violin: Voller Brothers (1893)
• Viola: Charles John Wilkinson (c. 1935)
• The Maurice Meulien Cello & Bow: Caressa & Français cello (1906) with Robert Pierce bow (2021)
• Cello: Roger Hansell, Davidov-Stradivari copy (2020)
• Concert Harp: Salvi - Iris Natural (2025)

Further information about the instruments available in this round of the Scheme can be found below and in our application guidelines.

Individual classical violinists, violists, cellists and harpists aged 18 and over who are:

• Irish citizens or resident in the Republic of Ireland. Irish citizens do not need to be living in Ireland in order to apply.

and

• about to embark on or in the process of a master’s degree

• who have completed their studies within the last 3 years and are now embarking on their professional career.

Music Network is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals within culturally diverse communities and from people with disabilities. Music Network encourages prospective applicants with disabilities or access requirements who wish to submit an application or who have difficulties in accessing Online Services to make contact with us as early as possible before the deadline so that every effort to provide reasonable accommodation can be made.

Apply online before 2pm on Tuesday 29 September 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Along with your online application form you will also be required to submit:

• A description of the instrument you currently play
• Your Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages outlining relevant education/training and performance experience)
• Details of your performance experience and career path to date
• Details of upcoming performances and future career plans
• Details of how, at this point in your career, having access to a new instrument will support your career development
• 3 recordings, at least one of which must be a video and one of which must feature unaccompanied playing. Recordings can be shared as web links or mp3.mp4/mov. files.
• 2 letters of recommendation from former or current teachers/mentors (contact details must be included with their permission to be contacted).

More information on the application process and how to apply can be found in our application guidelines below.

There will be an online information session about the scheme and how to apply on Tuesday 11 August at 11am.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview the week of 19 October 2026, followed by in-person auditions in Dublin on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October.

Any questions regarding the Music Capital Scheme Award 4 can be sent to Sarah Ledwidge, Music Capital Scheme Manager at capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie or call 083 0162718.

Deadline for applications: 2pm on Tuesday 29 September 2026.

Seven instruments from the collection are available through this award: